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Cessna is using a new black surface coating that can reflect solar heat, making black available as a color for striking new designs on a limited edition Turbo Stationair, the company said at EAA AirVenture on Monday. The coating is provided by AkzoNobel N.V., a paint and coatings company based in the Netherlands. “This is an attention-grabbing product that reflects an owner’s personality and preference,” said Jeff Umscheid of Cessna. Spokeswoman Jodi Noah also said the company has reached an agreement with Kansas State University that will enable pilots who train at any Cessna Pilot Center in the U.S. to receive college credit towards a bachelor's degree in technology management. "K-State is known for having one of the premier aviation programs in the country," said Noah. The program will be available starting in the fall semester in 2014. Cessna also has one of its new TTx aircraft on display at AirVenture.

The first new copies of the Cessna TTx, which the company calls "the world's fastest commercially produced and certified fixed-gear single engine aircraft," were delivered earlier this month. The all-composite, turbocharged four-seat aircraft evolved from the Corvalis (previously Columbia) line. The cockpit features sidesticks instead of a yoke and debuts the Garmin G2000 avionics suite, with dual 14.1 high-definition displays and touchscreen controls. Top speed is 235 knots, powered by a 310-hp Continental TSIO-550-C engine, and range is 1,250 nm. Cessna said pilots who transition into the airplane will be provided additional training, "due to the additional horsepower and capabilities of the aircraft." The first production unit of the Skylane Turbo also is on display at the show, along with the Turbo Stationair "Night Sky" edition with the new black and red paint scheme, with all-black wings using the new reflective coating.